OUR TEAM
Seattle Pride Hockey Association is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Seattle, Washington.
The Board of Directors is comprised of the executive branch – consisting of a President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, and eventually, a Membership Director, as well as a team of support staff. The Board of Directors are responsible for the day to day operations of the organization, including government affairs, finances, budgeting, taxes, program management, logistics and operations.
This team backed by an incredible group of support staff and seasonal volunteers that range in experience from events and sports management, media and production, game operations, advertising & marketing, and social media, as well as diversity, equity and inclusion. These support staff & volunteers support the Board of Directors in a variety of projects supporting our events, programs & tournaments.
We are always seeking diverse voices. If you are interested in joining us in our mission of making hockey a more diverse and equitable sport, consider volunteering with us. You can also email our Board of Directors at [email protected].
STEVEN THOMPSON
President + Co-Treasurer
He/Him
JOSEPH GALE
Vice President
He/Him
STEVEN LAING
Secretary
He/Him
JOEL HENNIG
Co-Treasurer
He/Him
COMING SOON
Membership Director
Seattle Pride Hockey Association is split into two operating divisions that collectively develop and operate our events, programs, league, and tournaments to the community. Each operating division is led by a Managing Director who oversees all functions of their respective division.
EVENTS & PROGRAMS
MICHELLE MENDEZ
Managing Director, Events & Programs
She/Her
League & Tournaments
STEVEN THOMPSON
Managing Director, League & Tournaments
He/Him
RANDY COTÈ - He/Him
Director, Participant experience
Email Me: [email protected]
About Me: Randy Coté grew up in Snohomish County surrounded by hockey. He and his siblings played in the Seattle Junior Hockey Association as kids, his dad was a volunteer coach, and they were all supported by the world’s greatest hockey mom. With the exception of a few pick-up games over the years, he picked up organized hockey again after a 20-year hiatus back in 2017. Read more…
alexis haire - She/Her
Director, Digital
Email Me: [email protected]
About Me: Alexis originates from the Bay Area, California, where she learned to play hockey in college (Go Sharks!). She moved to Seattle in 2015, and quickly joined the local women’s hockey community. She served as President of the Seattle Women’s Hockey Club for 3 years, before volunteering to help with the SPHA. Read more…
gilbert villalpando - He/Him
Director, diversity & inclusion
Email Me: [email protected]
About Me: Gilbert learned to play hockey as an adult after moving to Wisconsin for his university studies. He took a chance on a newly formed developmental hockey league called Madison Gay Hockey Association (MGHA) and enjoyed the people and learning hockey so much that he has been playing hockey ever since. Read more…
gavin parker - He/Him
Director, Game Operations
Email Me: [email protected]
About Me: Gavin grew up in the DC area running around local hockey rinks and attending Capitals (Rock the Red!) games since he can remember. His dad played for a prep school in New England and then recreationally until they moved to the Seattle area in 2013, and it wasn’t until Gavin went to the University of Connecticut in 2017 that he found hockey again. Read more…
BRETT LEONARD - He/Him
Director, Event Experience
Email Me: [email protected]
About Me: Brett oversees every facet of participant hospitality requirements, encompassing lodging, transportation, communications and the overall guest experience. This includes managing the Icebreaker Welcome Reception, tournament registration, various participant and volunteer hospitality desks, as well as the Tournament Operations Command Center.
WENDY THOMAS - SHE/HER
Email Me: [email protected]
